Try this, not that: Revlon Lip Stains

February 16, 2015

Ever since I started drinking mass quantities of coffee and wearing lipstick, I have been on the search for a lip stain that was low-maintenance. The need really hit hard during college when I would apply makeup (so after Freshman year) and leave my room for hours with little time to stop in a bathroom to check my face.

I needed something that would last for hours without touch ups because in the 15 minutes I had to walk across campus, I had the choice to stop in a restroom or eat. Guess which one I picked.

I also need something that won’t get stuck to my lips on windy State College / Pittsburgh days. Something that wouldn’t smear all over face would also be nice, too.

While I am not above buying high-end products, when it comes to having a variety of colors, I don’t have the budget. I love Revlon products because they are quality drugstore finds.

But I have discovered that not all Revlon lip stains are made equal.

Anything with a marker-like tip always does great on the first application, but in my experience, it’s always downhill from there. The Revlon Stain + Balm has that effect. I purchased this when it first came out, used it once, and lost it. I thought that it was good stuff (because of the first-try placebo effect) and I purchased a second one.

I had this one for longer and it was..meh. Not impressed. I thought it was because I had just a normal marker-pen-stain thing, not the same product with the separate balm.

So I bought another one. Naturally. Then I found another shade at Big Lots and of course it wasn’t impressive either.

Try this

And then the Revlon crayon-like came out and I have at least one in each variety. I love them.

Some of them aren’t powerful stains, like the Revlon ColorBurst Balms, but they are greatly moisturizing. Some of the shades do stain a little bit.

And then there’s the Revlon Color Stay Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain.

It doesn’t feel sticky, it lasts, and the color is buildable. I have the color Honey and it is a fantastic nude with a hint of pink that really pulls your look together but also adds moisture to your lips.

I think Revlon still sells the separate stain and balm product in stores, but it isn’t available online. The crayon product is a great reboot. I prefer the format of crayon-like products because they are easy to carry and apply. I just wish the cap stayed on a little bit better. It’s taken me a long time to remember that I really have to make sure it’s closed before I put it in my purse.

What lip stains do you prefer? Have you found any lines that have similar products but one is vastly superior than another?

They are so creamy! I love it. I was turned on to the Neutrogena balms from Emily @ BeautyBroadcast.net and I didn’t like the peach one I picked up so I didn’t end up purchasing more. I don’t mind the smell so much but it’s glittery and after the color wears off, I’m left with glittery fairy lips.

Oh really?? I think it’s so interesting how the same products can look completely different on different people. I’ve never had that issue, and the peach one is my favorite! 😉 Gotta know what works for YOU!